You’ll not want to miss a chance at a birds-eye view over New York City and the Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock offer breathtaking views! If you’re short on time or money (or both!), visit just 1 of these amazing skyscrapers.
The Empire State Building is a classic NYC landmark with an observation deck on the 86th and 102nd floors. If you choose the Empire State Building, head south on 5th Avenue (street numbers going down 50, 49, etc.) to 34th street.
The Top of the Rock observation deck is on the 70th floor. The bonus is you’ll also get to see and photograph the skyline with the Empire State Building in it. To visit the Top of the Rock, return to Rockefeller Plaza.
Either way, purchase your tickets in advance to save time in line…or even avoid the line altogether!
The Statue of Liberty was a joint effort between France and the United States, intended to commemorate the lasting friendship between the peoples of the two nations. The French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi created the statue itself out of sheets of hammered copper, while Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, the man behind the famed Eiffel Tower, designed the statue’s steel framework. The Statue of Liberty was then given to the United States and erected atop an American-designed pedestal on a small island in Upper New York Bay, now known as Liberty Island, and dedicated by President Grover Cleveland in 1886. Over the years, the statue stood tall as millions of immigrants arrived in America via nearby Ellis Island; in 1986, it underwent an extensive renovation in honor of the centennial of its dedication. Today, the Statue of Liberty remains an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy, as well as one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks.
Central Park spans from 59th Street to 110th Street between 5th Avenue and Central Park West. Walk the pathways and discover Sheep’s Meadow, the Lake, and all the fountains, monuments, gardens, and bridges along the way. Be willing to “get lost” which is nearly impossible if you use the buildings and the traffic noise on the park’s east or west sides as bearings.
Times Square with its neon signs, bright lights, Broadway marquis, crowds of people, honking horns, and yellow taxis, all combine for a whirlwind introduction to NYC. On your first visit to New York City, it makes sense to start at this iconic crossroads.
New-York City Times Square
While you’re looking up, down, and all around Times Square, you’re sure to notice all the Broadway Theaters and the billboards advertising what’s playing. A TKTS Booth sells discounted tickets for performances on the same day. The TKTS app lets you know which shows have discounted tickets on sale that day. If you’re set on seeing a particular show, though, check Broadwaybox for advance purchase of discounted seats. Either way, seeing a Broadway show is an absolute must!
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